New York Steps Up Gambling Addiction Recovery Centers

The state of New York is competing against Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and of course, New Jersey in the race to become the top casino gambling destination in the Northeast. Along the way, however, New York is also ensuring that they have safeguards in place to treat problem gambling.

This week is National Problem Gambling Awareness Week around the US, and New York is doing their part. The state has sixty-eight recovery programs for those with gambling addictions, and most are located near casinos or racetracks where large amounts of gambling are taking place.

While this seems like a lot of treatment programs, it is not nearly enough to those who are counseling these problem gamblers. More facilities are needed, and additional revenue should be given to the programs dealing with prevention, according to Jerry Criss, a Clinician at the Center for Problem Gambling.

"The truth of the matter is that an alcoholic has to face passing by bars, seeing beer in all the food marts and so they have to just deal with that," said Criss, as reported by News10 Now, "And so do our clients because I don't think the state is going to change their position."

That position is that currently less than one percent of gambling revenue goes towards the treatment services. The amount however, of the money going to this area is in the millions of dollars.

Other states are doing the same when it comes to amping up their efforts to ensure that residents know where to go for help. In Washington, the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling just launched a redesigned website that offers information, news, and other resources dealing with problem gambling.

The week is only a few days old and already agencies in varying states are spreading the word. Throughout the week, seminars will be held, fliers will be handed out, and health care providers will be educated on the dangers and potential treatments of gambling addiction.

March 10, 2010
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
Submit News!